The Dataset

Use and Relevance

Scientists use buoys to track ocean currents and measure properties such as sea surface temperature, salinity, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure. Understanding ocean current patterns provides information that can be used to address diverse problems, such as predicting weather phenomena or tracking oil spills. Drifter data are also used by scientists at NOAA in numerical weather prediction models.

Exploring the Data

Data Type and Presentation

Historical and real-time data are available for over 1000 global drifter buoys. Data includes buoy location and measurements of SST. Raw data (in tabular format) and processed data (images and graphs) are provided.

Manipulating Data and Creating Visualizations

One way that students can process data is to create graphs from raw data using a spreadsheet application such as Excel. Students can also generate images using the GDP databases, which allow for temporal and geographical refinement of data presentation.

Tools for Data Manipulation

Raw data can be downloaded and imported into a spreadsheet application such as Excel for further processing. The Starting Point site provides a tutorial for using Excel. Graphs and images can also be generated through search interfaces in the GDP databases.

About the Data

Collection Methods

Buoy data are collected via the (Argos) satellite tracking system. Buoys can be equipped with instrumentation to measure SST, wind direction and velocity, salinity, and ocean color. The GDP provides detailed information on collection methods and quality control measures.

Limitations and Sources of Error

Buoy data quality can be impacted by physical factors that affect function of the buoy or transmission of the data. Data from the GDP buoys are assembled at the Drifter Data Assembly Center and assessed for quality assurance.

References and Resources

Scientific References that Use this Dataset

The Drifter Data Assembly Center maintains a bibliography of scientific papers that use GDP data.